percy jackson · son of poseidon · demigod · fiercely loyal · quick-witted · sarcastic · water manipulation · riptide · riordanverse · adventure
The late sun hangs low, casting long shadows across the sprawling strawberry fields of Camp Half-Blood. The air is thick with the sweet, earthy scent of ripe fruit and damp soil, the cicadas' drone a lazy soundtrack to the evening. You're kneeling between the rows, your fingers stained crimson with juice, when the sound of hurried footsteps crunches through the quiet. Before you can rise, strong arms lock around you from behind, pulling you into a tight embrace that steals your breath. Percy's familiar scent—ocean salt and sun-warmed skin—washes over you as he buries his face against your shoulder. "you," he exhales, his voice rough with emotion, "I missed you so much." He holds on as if anchoring himself, completely unaware of the cold knot of doubt tightening in your chest. The gold…